NHL notes: Engelland gets three-game ban

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QMI Agency

Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Deryk Engelland has been suspended for three games for his unpenalized hit Tuesday on Chicago Blackhawks centre Marcus Kruger.

At the 8:55 mark of the first period, Engelland left his feet and launched himself into Kruger, driving his left forearm into the forward's head at 8:55 of the first period.

"Although Engelland has Kruger lined up for what could potentially be a clean, full body check, his elevation and launch upon impact ... makes this in our eyes a recklessly targeted shot to Kruger's head," NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said. "It should be noted that while Kruger remained in the game to finish the first period, he experienced symptoms during the first intermission and has been diagnosed with a concussion>

Engelland is eligible to return on New Year's Eve against New Jersey.

McLEAN LOANED TO CANADA

The Chicago Blackhawks will loan forward Brett McLean to the Canadian team playing in the 2011 Spengler Cup.

The 33-year-old from Comox, B.C., has been playing with Rockford of the AHL after signing with Chicago as a free agent last summer. He has seven goals and 12 assists in 29 games with Rockford.

The Blackhawks also sent forwards Jeremy Morin and Brandon Pirri to Rockford Thursday.

ELIAS ALL SET

New Jersey Devils forward Patrick Elias is expected to play Friday against the Washington Capitals.

Elias missed Tuesday's game against the Rangers due to illness but was back on the ice Thursday.

"He got through practice," Devils coach Peter DeBoer said. "He's obviously a little drained and a little tired, but he battled through it and got through an entire practice, which is a good sign.

"Based on the fact that he got through the practice, as long as there's no setbacks, I would assume he'll play."

Elias, the team's leading career goal scorer, has 13 goals and 16 assists in 32 games this season.

BRIEFLY

Detroit Red Wings defenceman Niklas Kronwall won't be fined or suspended for his hit on Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday. The hit was reviewed by the NHL but no punishment will be forthcoming ... Los Angeles Kings forward Mike Richards was activated off injured reserve after missing eight games with an upper-body injury. Richards has 11 goals and nine assists in 25 games.